Hondo (1953)

VHS CASE/SIDE

MPPA Certifcate Number: 16575

Length of film:  83 Minutes

Rated:  PG

Genre: Drama, Romance, Western

Director: John Farrow

Starring: John Wayne, Geraldine Page, Ward Bond, Michael Pate, James Arness, Rodolfo Acosta, Lee Aaker

IMDB Rank: 7/10

Part 1 Time:  43 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  40 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Hondo (John Wayne) attempts to escape the Apache’s, but is caught.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: No dialogue, Hondo rides off on his horse trying to evade being captured.

First line of dialogue on the second part:  “Beat it Sam!” Hondo Lane shouts at the dog. Prior to this Vittorio (Michael Pate) speaks in Apache to fellow Apache warriors.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, Hando is captured by Apache warriors . What will happen to Hondo while being captured and will he survive?

Which part is better? Part two is slightly better as we not only get to witness the building of a platonic relationship between Hondo and Angie (Geraldine Page) but also Hondo becoming a positive father like figure for Johnny (Lee Aaker). The second half of the film also features great action involving the Apache and U.S. Cavalry in a Circling of Wagons scenario.

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress (Geraldine Page- Nominated), Best Writing (Nominated).